The opinions vary, but another ex-Giants linebacker, Antonio Pierce, agrees with Banks. Williams' speech was nothing new for NFL meeting rooms.

"I've heard that speech from seven of the defensive coordinators I've played with in my nine-year career," Pierce told ESPN this week, via the New York Daily News. "Think about it, if a guy knows he's going to get hit hard, he's not going to come across that middle."

Pierce, who played under Williams with the Redskins in 2004, called the coach's choice of words "a little harsh, they're a little tough," but talked about the awareness of an opponent's injured players.

"Throughout the week we always knew who was injured and what body part was injured," Pierce said. "If he's not in the game, our chances of winning are higher. And that's what it's all about. It's all about winning."